Silver ring splints

[cpns]

My rheumatologist is sending me off to see a 'hand therapist' in September. I think in may be an OT, or physio trained person, but this is the title that is on the appointment letter. The things she hopes that they will look at are much like Occupational therapy, or physic tasks, but specifically they are going to sort out finger splints as my fingers are beginning to claw. I work in a nursery & so I need to wash my hands a lot; endless exposure to playdough, paint etc. I was going to ask them about SILVER RING SPLINTS, I know that they will not be available on the NHS, but I hoped they might have some info & perhaps tell me which ones I need - which movements I would like to encourage/restrict, measure me for them etc, I having done some research & know that they are not cheap, so I need some guidance/help, as I cannot figure out what I need & am certainly not confident enough to measure myself accurately despite the guides on the sites. Do any of you have any experience/knowledge that you could share on this. Many thanks,

[Hidden]

My sister got silver ring splints for her EDS - I'll ask her what the company was - I believe they were in east yorks x

[cpns]

Thank you, could you also ask her how she went about ordering them and if she is happy with them. Many thanks

[Hidden in reply to cpns]

She adores them - see comment below for video and website links hope it helps

[LucyJean]

Hello there, silver ring splints are available on the NHS (certainly in our region, Norfolk) if you need them. I would wait to see the therapist as they will assess your hands, your disease and your lifestyle and hopefully provide the most appropriate splints for your needs. Ring splints are used for a number of reasons. The problems that can prevent use are poor circulation, variable swelling and general poor function making taking them on and off difficult. Many factors come into play when assessing for splints and there may be other options that you are not aware of.

I would wait and see what they say, and then if you are not happy then look at other options.

All my best

Lucy x

[cpns in reply to LucyJean]

Thank you, that is helpful advice

[Hidden]

vimeo.com/51048645

thebeautifulsplintcompany.c...

That's a link to a video with my sister on how they make them and the company - hope this helps

[cpns in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. Having watched the video I feel very hopeful. My hospital appointment is in a couple of weeks. I think LucyJean is right to start with the therapist. I will do a little more research beforehand so that I go to the appointment as well informed as possible. I watched the video & at the weekend I will follow the company links to find out more. Thank you both so much for your advice. I have answered a few people on this site before, but never asked a question myself until now. I always felt that it was supportive. I learnt a lot about my own condition & possible treatment options from reading other people's experiences, but I don't think I realised just how fantastic it would feel to type a personal concern into an anonymous computer & within hours receive genuinely helpful advice from people who truly understand & without knowing you seem still to care. I am hopeful about the silver splints, but even without that, the two of you have already made me feel a whole lot better today. Thank you for taking the time to respond

[winifred]

After surgery to sort out ruptured tendons about 4 years ago the physio moulded a plastic like splint to fit the palm side of my hand with velcro on top and a detachable extension over my fingers to wear at night. This was very successful as my fingers were quite bent after the op.

[cpns]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me, it is interesting to hear how part of the splint is used overnight. Many thanks.

[naila_007]

Hi,

Just wondering how you got on with the ring splints. I spoke to my OT about them and she said they may interfere with raynards ie circulation - I am not sure if i have dupuytren’s contracture - fingers bending towards palm - tightness of palm- i have some of the symptons - or it could be just the scheloderma I am seeing my specialist on Friday - so lets see what she says.

Naila

[cpns]

Hi Naila, Thank you for thinking of me. I went to see the hand therapist yesterday, she showed me some exercises which I can see will be beneficial, then we got onto the splints. Silver ring splints were not favoured as I have raynauds (pretty much as you said) along with the scleroderma & also because my curling fingers are seemingly caused by arthritis.

So I came home with the first of five finger splints. They are pieces of bendy perforated plastic which became rigid once shaped & heated. She cut a piece of this that immobilised the top joint of my index finger; it wraps up the sides, goes underneath & sticks out above my finger tip, but is open along the top & is fastened with two wraps of velcro. I am wearing it, but it sounds as if these are a lifetime solution & I work from 7.30am-6.30pm full time in a day nursery with small people in nappies, play dough, paints etc. They will get dirty, or I will be loosing them when I take them on & off, they will restrict my fine motor skills & grip & with 5 out of 8 fingertips shielded I will find the lack of sensation will make life difficult (although not entirely impossible). I cannot see that this is going to work out too well. I think I should look further into the silver ring splints which I think I should be able to work in quite happily if they work for me. My other option is to go privately on my BUPA medical cover & see if they have any other options available if I am willing to fund it.

How did your trip to the specialist go?

[cpns in reply to cpns]

Also I have been told not to use them overnight due to the Raynauds.

So cannot opt to minimise daytime use in favour of overnight - which I thought was a great idea

[naila_007 in reply to cpns]

Hi CPNS,

I had a hand xray and have been referred for a hand scan.

Overall she did notice my skin has gone softer because i am taking mycohphenate.

It would be great if you can post a picture of splints then i can show my OT too.

thanks,

Naila

[cpns in reply to naila_007]

So sorry. Have only just noticed this. I have taken some photos but am unsure how to attach these. I have had a second appointment & they have given me two more of these splints they are like moulded bits of plastic under the top two sections of my fingers, immobilising the top joint. They are held in place by two velcro straps a piece. I cannot recommend them, as I can do precious little while wearing them & as they say I cannot wear them at night, I get little use out of them. I hope that things are going well for you

[naila_007 in reply to cpns]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I think i remember seeing them in the OT's office - but she didnt recommend them. I am doing ok thank you - the myclophenolate has helped me a lot - been on it for nearly 6 months - just a bit slow with the hands - but will get there

[Hidden]

Just seen these on Etsy - not medical ring splints but look like they could be (!)

etsy.com/uk/listing/5142098...